The debate continues as to what to do to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses.

A recent report from Toronto Public Health showed a 280 per cent increase in deaths in 2020 as compared to 2015.

There is a lot of debate as to the best means of preventing these deaths, some arguing decriminalizing drugs would be a step forward.

“It’s been an increasing tragedy,” remarked Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu. “Opioid overdoses have been plaguing this country for a very long time. Prior to me being in politics this is an area I worked on extensively. We have known about the risk of opioid overdose for the better part of 15 or more years, so there’s way more to do.”

Hajdu went onto say, “There’s no silver bullet to reducing death from opioid overdose, but I do think that the more we can do together to reach people where they’re at, to treat people who use substances as worthy of support and compassion.”

The Minister stressed the 2021 budget reflects the seriousness of the issue.

“Well over $270 million dedicated to mental health and substance use,” added Hajdu, “$100 million of that is dedicated to community based organizations looking to work on issues of mental health and substance use.”

The increase in overdoses has increased locally as well over the past few years.

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre said in a report they treated 262 people for an opioid overdose in 2020 compared the 188 in 2019.